I am looking to be a book editor. What type of degree would you recommend and how would I get started?

Answer 1

Attend a university with strong English and/or Journalism programs. Join the staff of a school literary journal, newspaper, Alumni magazine, or start your own zine with like-minded friends. It's important to familiarize yourself with the inner workings of a magazine or journal, and how to best work with both creative people, like writers and designers, and management folks, like ad executives.

Regularly reading magazines and journals like Harpers, The New Yorker, The Believer, and the NY Times Book Review will help hone your editorial instincts, and make you a better writer, critic and proofreader.

Apply for internships at publishing companies and/or magazines. I suggest going with smaller, independent ones rather than a giant corporation, because the independent publishers are usually understaffed, which means there's plenty of opportunity to get real experience in something other than fetching coffee and making copies.

Answer 2

The top subject matter would be a degree in English. You could also have some great computer skills (typing); have a good command of the language (spelling, mechanics and grammar); you'd be working with people, so people skills - speech/communications would be good. Increase your reading skills - You will be reading lots and lots of books. Take care of your eyes. If you are already in college- try finding jobs that would be around books - obviously - a Library or Media Center, try to find local book stores to hob nob with others there who have exposure - get in a good book club. Move to New York....smile (Simon and Shuester is a great place)

Answer 3

I am also planning on becoming a book editor and it seems to me that majoring in English is the best option. That's what I'm preparing for, anyway.

Answer 4

Literature or Journalism?